needham



G. A. NEEDHAM.

L e d 0 M 0 N THEATER STAGE.

Patented May 23, 1882.

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HHARLES A. NEEDHAM, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO HIMSELF AND ELIAS P. NEEDHAM, OF SAME PLACE.

TH EATER-STAG E.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 258,539, dated May 23, 1882.

Application filed February 24, 1882. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, CHARLES A. NEEDHAM, of the city and county of New York, in the State of New York, have invented a certain newandusefulImprovementinTheater-Stages, of which the following is a specification.

My invention consists in the combination, with the proscenium of a theater, of a multiple stage provided with a vertical axis and arranged opposite the center of the proscenium, and adapted to be turned or rotated to bring different portions adjacent to the proscenium. This multiple stage comprises a number of separate stages, formed by partitions extending radially to the axis of the multiple stage. By this construction I obviate the necessity of carrying stage furniture or accessories up and down stairs, as is necessary where a verticallymoving system of stages is used, and 1 also ob- 2o viate the necessity of making a deep pit below the stage, as has to be done with such vertically-movin g system.

In the accompanying drawing I have represented a plan of a theater provided with my improved multiple stage.

A designates the auditorium of a theater. B designates the proscenium, and C designates the stageboxes thereof. D designates the stationary stage portion on which the foot- 0 lights are ordinarily arranged.

In carrying out my invention I employ a system of stages or a multiple stage which forms one structure and comprises two or more stages, E, four being here represented. This 3 5 system of stages is arranged opposite the center of the proscenium, and is adapted to rotate or turn upon a vertical axis, so as to bring any of the stages E opposite or adjacent to the proscenium, and economizes space, as the front of the floor D is commonly rounded or curved, and this system may conform thereto, as represented. The several stages are separated by radial vertical partitions, aud taper in a horizontal plane toward the center of the system or multiple stage; but this is rather an 4 5 advantage than otherwise, as scenes are always set flaring toward the auditorium, to give them the proper perspective. The several stages are in the same horizontal plane, and are moved horizontally to bring them into and 5o out of position, and, as they are parallel with the front portion, D, very little labor is requiredin setting the acts, and furniture, scenes, and other stage accessories do not have to be carried up and down, as in setting the acts in a vertically-movable system of stages.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. The combination, with the proscenium of a theater, of a multiple stage provided with a vertical axis and arranged opposite the center of the proscenium, and adapted to be turned or rotated to bring different portions adjacent to the proscenium, substantially as described.

2. The combination, with the proscenium of a theater, of a multiple stage provided with a vertical axis and with radial vertical partitions arranged opposite the center of the proscenium, and adapted to be turned or rotated to bring different portions adjacent to the proscenium, substantially as described.

CHAS. A. NEEDHAM.

Witnesses T. J. KEANE, JAMES R. BOWEN. 

